over 200 industrialists and businessmen took part at the World Food India roadshow held here today which was organised to invite the state's industrialists to participate in World Food India 2017 to be held in November in New Delhi.

The World Food India roadshow, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was addressed by Anuradha Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industry, and A J V Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh and Rajesh Sharma, Director, industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Anuradha Prasad said that World Food India 2017 is a platform for showcasing the food processing strength of India and an opportunity to connect with international and Indian players in food processing and allied sectors.

She said that the three-day mega event 'World Food India-2017' would be held in New Delhi from November 3 to 5 and 80 multinational companies and CEOs of 30 global companies have confirmed their participation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the mega event.

Discussing the investment and growth opportunities in food processing sector with business leaders, Prasad briefed the business community about the government schemes related to food processing industry and highlighted the benefits of Kisan Sampada scheme and said that it will benefit 20 lakh farmers and generate 5,30,500 direct and indirect employment in the country by 2019-20.

"Himachal Pradesh has great potential in the food processing sector and World Food India is the most suitable platform for the industry from the state to avail benefits being offered by the government to set up food processing units such as no income tax deduction for the first five years, she added.

"The manufacturing facilities in the state are well suited for the food processing sector as there is a mega food park in Tehsil Haroli District, Una by Cremica Food Park Pvt Ltd.

Concurrently, for marketing the agricultural produce, there is a modernized market complex at Solan" she said adding agri export zones have been set up for apples in Kinnaur, Shimla, Sirmour, Kulu, Mandi and Chamba.

Nine cold chain units have been approved in the state and there are 41 industrial areas in the state.

Prasad urged the business community for maximum participation in the event at New Delhi and look for new opportunities and collaboration with other Indian and global companies.

A J V Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, said, "The newly-approved Central Sector Scheme - Sampada -is very helpful and we are hopeful that the new scheme, targeted to give thrust to overall development of food processing sector in the country would go a long way in augmenting the capacity of food processing through technology infusion; creating effective backward and forward linkages; effective supply chain and transport logistics for perishable products; creating modern infrastructure for development of agro-processing clusters and promoting skill development.

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